Errors Officials Should Avoid

DOCUMENTATION

At times things happen during the course of a match that officials should keep documented because hours, days, weeks later a question or an investigation into the match may surface and the officials may be asked to provide some details.

A major injury, a natural event (lightning, storms, etc…), a possible concussion, or any disruption to the match, these are some examples of things that may occur while working a game, can lead to an early termination of a match, and should be documented.

Writing good, clear and detailed notes is important.

Keep it simple, factual and use the Who, What, Where, When and How approach without including any personal opinions, feelings or emotions.

Also include any witnesses and their contact information.

A send off or disqualification report is always required documentation when a red card is issued to a player.

Recording the time and jersey number of a player who scored a goal is another “must do” for the officials.